Comments on: Optimistic Aging: Honor Yourself

By: Pamela Lutrell

Pamela Lutrell — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:34:55 +0000

In reply to Becky.

That phrase…you can’t pour out of an empty cup…is powerful. Thanks for sharing Becky.

By: Pamela Lutrell

Pamela Lutrell — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:34:11 +0000

In reply to Nancy Shope. Yes...I will do that soon, Nancy! I have been experimenting and learning new things in the skin care recently.

By: Connie Haines

Connie Haines — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 01:00:25 +0000

I don’t know if you will see this so late in the day, but I just now was able to read your kind reply. I wanted to thank you. Thank you for really hearing me, and for always speaking to these important matters. I am sorry for what you experienced with your mother.

By: Nancy Shope

Nancy Shope — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:12:24 +0000

Would you consider doing a post on what you recommend for skin care, what you use, etc.? Thanks!

By: Becky

Becky — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:55:54 +0000

One of the first pieces of advice I was given as a care giver was to take care of myself because you can’t pour from an empty cup. This advice carried over into widowhood. Every day, I get up, dress up & show up even if I am only doing it for myself.
Janet’s story of her aunt reminded me of my aunt. She was single until late in life & had job, but I loved going to her house & had great admiration for her.

By: Pamela Lutrell

Pamela Lutrell — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:14:44 +0000

In reply to beth b. I know you are having an impact on those younger workers when you "overdress" for the day. I am certain they notice...and I am certain that working until now has been a benefit to you. Thanks for sharing, Beth.

By: Pamela Lutrell

Pamela Lutrell — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:13:32 +0000

In reply to Connie Haines.

I know this is hard, Connie, but I do believe you are thinking in the right direction to make life more manageable and enjoyable for you. I would support anything you can do to help with all of this…it is ALOT for one person. It was very difficult for me to place my mom in assisted living. But, she reached a point with her anger where she actually tried to push me down and said it was to break my hip and make me suffer. OK, that was a moment when I called one of my brothers and he helped to find her a good place. Did it make her happy? No not at all, but it did give me reassurance that it was OK to take care of me in the process. Living to navigate a toxic dose of her dementia was a challenge…but we got through it. So what will help you…I have so enjoyed getting to know your optimistic self online and would not like my friend to lose that completely.

By: Connie Haines

Connie Haines — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:06:47 +0000

I have struggled with meeting the demands of caregiving. This month marks the start of my ninth year in this role. My nature is generally upbeat, and I have taken self-care seriously, dressing well to face each day. Nonetheless, internally I have felt as if on an endless errand, especially since losing my mother almost two years ago. Even though she needed some caretaking, she also provided what she could to my dad, especially the emotional support. I have very recently taken stock of the situation, in a prayerful and soul searching kind of way, and decided to ask my husband (who also requires my care to a lesser degree) if we could a) sell my father's house and move him in with us, and b) sell our house and move up north into a home better suited to accomodate our needs and, most importantly for my overall happiness, close to our grown sons. I feel the caregiving burden will feel much lighter under a single roof, and knowing I have the joy of being near my boys all the time. Luckily, my husband agreed. I have just created a lot of extra work and some stress for myself....but in the end, hopefully by summer, I will again find my optimistic self, ready to continue giving my best.

By: beth b

beth b — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:58:04 +0000

Thank you for sharing your story. And, I must agree with your words here today. I’m 65+ but still working. One of the things I enjoy about that is dressing up each morning. Our workplace is very casual, but I tend to be overdressed. My plan is to retire in about a year, but I still plan on keeping a wardrobe that I enjoy and makes me feel good.

By: Pamela Lutrell

Pamela Lutrell — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:32:30 +0000

In reply to Paula. I know it will help...I have experienced that even amidst trials. When we cease to care for ourselves we are opening a door to deeper depression and giving it permission to take control. Just baby steps of self care begins to take back that control.